Preview Leopardstown 28th Dec

Thu 27th Dec 2012, 12:40

A few bubbles could be burst in a cracking renewal of the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown on Friday.

Budding superstars Flemenstar and Sir Des Champs lock horns again after their clash in the John Durkan, but the latter is proven over three miles so will be fancied by many to get closer to Peter Casey's pride and joy than he did at Punchestown.

Hidden Cyclone is another exciting second-season chaser with stamina to prove, whereas RSA Chase hero First Lieutenant will relish the test, although he has ground to make up on Tidal Bay, who beat him into second in the Hennessy at Newbury.

Back In Focus stays all day and that will stand him in good stead in the Topaz Novice Chase.

Willie Mullins' seven-year-old beat the reopposing Lyreen Legend in the Florida Pearl and has more to fear from Dedigout, whose Drinmore second to Arvika Ligeonniere looks better in light of the winner's exploits on the opening day of this meeting.

Colm Murphy's mare isn't in the same sort of form this time and was behind Zaidpour and Monksland in the Hatton's Grace.

Quiscover Fontaine is another bidding to double up but last year's winner of the Star Best For Racing Christmas Rated Hurdle hasn't been seen since falling in the Grand National at Aintree.

Hat-trick seekers Treat Yourself and Doc Hollywood cross swords in the Mongey Communications Novice Handicap Hurdle, while Foxrock and Sizing Solution both won well between the flags last time and take on Mullins' disappointing Cork favourite Shamar in the opening Madigans Maiden Hurdle at 12.25.

The latter's stable companion Bally Longford was another costly failure, this time at Downpatrick, but gets the opportunity to make amends in the concluding Thornton's Recycling INH Flat Race.